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Dedicated March 2021

Catering rant

Elissabeth, on August 13, 2021 at 2:12 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 5

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We had to move back our already planned and mostly payed for wedding to March 2022. Our caterer, who we have a contract with, is my aunt who previously did catering professionally for a hotel. She asked us let her cater and we worked out a menu and pricing and everything. Last month, she went on a trip to Denver for the 4th of July and came back declaring that she was going to move to Denver in September. She doesn't have a job lined up and is planning on living in her eldest daughter's spare bedroom when she gets there. When I tried to contact her to remind her about the catering contract she ignored my calls and messages for a month now she is begging me to let her out of the contract and find someone else to cater. When I pointed out that she should have thought about that before making such a rash decision my family told me I was being ridiculous and selfish. I didn't even tell her I wouldn't let her out of it I just pointed out that she didn't think this move through at all. I'm waiting to calm down a bit before talking to her again, in the meantime, I'm pricing out available caterers for similar cuisine but since my SOs family was pitching in some specialty items which outside caterers won't accept, the price is going to be a bit higher and I can't get the menu I envisioned.

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5 Comments

Latest activity by Tara, on August 19, 2021 at 2:36 PM

Rockstar November 2054
Jacks · on August 13, 2021 at 2:29 PM
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I mean she's your aunt. She tried to do a nice thing but it sounds like her life changed. I don't know if this factors in, but Covid has changed a lot of lives unexpectedly. Maybe she's needed in Denver. At any rate, I would let it go and make alternate plans.
Just as a note, that's why "friendors" (friends doing wedding vendor roles) can end badly. Generally it's not a good idea to mix business and friendship for this reason.
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VIP January 2019
Maggie · on August 13, 2021 at 2:43 PM
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Sounds like you will be much better off finding a professional caterer with a real (i.e., actionable) contract. I know it's frustrating to feel like family members have let you down, but you aren't out any money and you have plenty of time to find an alternative. Good luck with your search!
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Champion July 2019
Veronica · on August 13, 2021 at 5:13 PM
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Unfortunately, this is exactly why people frequently warn against using family or friends as vendors. I would definitely search for a professional caterer with a contract.
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Super September 2022
Ashlee · on August 14, 2021 at 11:14 AM
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How do you know it was a rash decision that she didn't think through? To me, based on what you've said, she has thought it through and discussed it enough to have a place to stay lined up. Ultimately she's your aunt and I think that trying to strong arm her into keeping the contract will hurt that relationship long term, I'd continue what you're doing and look for an alternate caterer.
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VIP November 2016
Tara · on August 19, 2021 at 2:36 PM
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I would be so upset and you have every right to be!!! Finding a caterer for an event in just a few months isn't easy and it especially sucks that you can't have the menu you had picked, planned out and envisioned. Maybe once you calm down (which would take me a while), you can ask if she has any recommendations ? And if she knows anyone that can keep to the budget you had agreed to with her. Does she plan on going to the wedding even after she moves? Because if that's the case, and if you express to her how much you'd really love her to cater, she'll still consider it. If not, move forward with someone new so you don't damage your relationship with her long term.
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